Researchers Created Better Hearing Implants Using Platinum Materials
Daniel Johnson — October 22, 2019 — Tech
References: actu.epfl.ch & engadget
Researchers have created new hearing implants, which could be used to offset inner ear damage. Scientists have tested the hearing implants on mice, and the team has also created a human-sized version. However, more research will be needed before the device undergoes human testing.
The hearing implants are a comfortable electrode implant, which is comprised of safe platinum. The platinum material is able to address issues of stiffness which have hindered other designs, which is due to the micron-level matching properties that platinum has. Once the platinum is wrapped in silicone it is a highly conductive material, that is able to sit adjacent to the auditory brain stem. This allows it to send out more targeted auditory signals than other hearing implants.
Image Credit: EPFL
The hearing implants are a comfortable electrode implant, which is comprised of safe platinum. The platinum material is able to address issues of stiffness which have hindered other designs, which is due to the micron-level matching properties that platinum has. Once the platinum is wrapped in silicone it is a highly conductive material, that is able to sit adjacent to the auditory brain stem. This allows it to send out more targeted auditory signals than other hearing implants.
Image Credit: EPFL
Trend Themes
1. Platinum Hearing Implants - Platinum materials are a disruptive innovation opportunity for creating more comfortable and precise hearing implants.
2. Inner Ear Damage Solutions - Developing hearing implants to offset inner ear damage is a trend with growing opportunities.
3. Targeted Auditory Signals - Creating implants that can send out more targeted auditory signals is an area ripe for disruption.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The medical device industry can leverage platinum materials and targeted auditory signals to create more comfortable and precise hearing implants.
2. Biotechnology - Biotech companies can focus on developing solutions to inner ear damage by creating innovative hearing implants.
3. Neurotechnology - Developing hearing implants that can communicate with the auditory brain stem is a growing trend in the neurotechnology industry.
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